Movement patterns and the mediumsized city : Tenants on the move in Gweru, Zimbabwe

This paper summarises the general literature on patterns and theories of migration within Africa and identifies key questions which remain concerning movement up and down the urban hierarchy, changes in the strength of rural linkages, and the influence of residential densities and shelter types on intra-urban movement. These issues are examined from the focal point of a medium-sized city in Zimbabwe, with data abstracted from a larger survey on rental shelter. The findings reinforce the significance of rural links and continuing emphasis on economic motives for migration. The nature of migrant streams into Gweru are examined, along with patterns of intra-urban movement between rental shelter types and density areas. The role of medium-sized cities as pivotal safety valves within the urban hierarchy, and the centrality of rental shelter for the individual within the city, emerge as dominant themes within the context of migration and urbanisation.